PM’s health mandates constitutional reform

THE STATUS of Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s health makes the need for constitutional reform in Trinidad and Tobago all the more urgent. This argument was advanced yesterday by the non-governmental organisation Trinidad and Tobago League of Concerned Citizens (TTLOCC), as it prepared to host a series of public meetings on constitutional reform. The first meeting is slated for the Calder Hall Community Centre in Scarborough, Tobago, tonight at 7 pm. The Prime Minister went to Cuba over the weekend for a pacemaker insertion and is expected to return home tomorrow. According to the group, Manning’s routine medical analysis in Cuba two weeks ago, “brought the attention of citizens of the potential for a possible ‘constitutional crisis’ in the nation, similar to what occurred in 1980 on the death of Dr Eric Williams, where there was no provision in the constitution for the ‘automatic appointment’ by the President of the Republic.”

The TTLOCC said if Manning became non-functional for any length of time due to ill health, the President could do nothing to remedy the situation by “constitutional” means in appointing an elected member from the Lower House to act in office in such a circumstance. The group added that when Parliament resumes next month, Manning and Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday must correct this anomaly by tabling an amendment to the constitution for the inclusion of a deputy prime minister as recommended by the 1987 Hyatali Constitution Reform Commission. The TTLOCC will hold subsequent meetings at the San Fernando City Corporation Auditorium on August 20, at the Port-of-Spain City Corporation Auditorium on August 24, and the Arima Borough Auditorium on August 25. All meetings begin at 7 pm.